FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Sault Ste. Marie (October 10, 2018) – A man and woman from Sault Ste. Marie have been convicted under provincial animal welfare legislation following an investigation into the treatment of a dog in their care.

Kevin Hanka and Robin Hanka, both 28 years of age, were convicted on October 3, 2018 in a Sault Ste. Marie Provincial Offences Court to one count each of permitting a dog to be in distress and failing to provide adequate and appropriate medical attention.

The Justice of the Peace sentenced Kevin Hanka to 12 months probation. During that time, he is required to have any animals in his care examined by a veterinarian every six months and must follow any treatment recommendations identified by the veterinarian. Robin Hanka was ordered by the Justice of the Peace to pay a fine of $632.

On September 11, 2017, an Ontario SPCA officer attended a residence in Sault Ste. Marie after receiving a concern about the welfare of a dog. The officer observed a female, Boxer-type dog in poor body condition that was dragging a large tumour-like mass, that was hanging from the dog’s hind end.

Ontario SPCA orders were issued to have the dog examined by a veterinarian, which revealed the dog was suffering from a 4.3-kilogram vascular mass on her anus. The growth had sores on the surface, as a result of dragging along the ground. In addition, the veterinarian noted the dog’s overall body condition was poor and she was suffering from dermatitis and ear infections. The mass was subsequently removed during surgery and the dog recovered from her various health conditions.

“Letting a dog suffer like this is never an option, especially when the physical ailment is so obvious,” says Lynn Michaud, Senior Inspector, Ontario SPCA. “If you find yourself in a position where you are unable to provide your pets with the medical attention or general care they require, contact the Ontario SPCA or your local humane society to discuss your options.”

Protecting animals since 1873, Ontario SPCA is Ontario's animal welfare organization. A registered charity comprised of close to 50 communities.

Since 1919, when Ontario's first animal welfare legislation was proclaimed, the Ontario SPCA, with the help of its Communities, has been entrusted to maintain and enforce animal welfare legislation. The Act provides Ontario SPCA Agents and Inspectors with police powers to do so.